Former Marion school leader Farquhar, 89, dies

By David DeKunder :
November 19, 2012

Memorial services will be held Saturday for former Marion superintendent Winfred G. Farquhar, who died at the age of 89 on Nov. 14.

Visitation for Farquhar, who spent 34 years with the Marion school district, including 29 as superintendent, will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at Schertz Funeral Home. A brief memorial will follow the visitation.

Internment will be at Fort Sam Houston in a private ceremony at a later date.

Farquhar, who was known by friends and colleagues as “W.G.,” came to Marion in 1953 as a teacher-coach. Throughout the years, he performed several jobs for the district, including being a bus driver and a janitor. Farquhar retired from Marion in 1987.

As superintendent, Farquhar is credited with helping to build several of Marion's school facilities, including the current high school and the old Krueger Elementary School building.

Another former Marion superintendent, Dennis Dreyer, said Farquhar was a “no-nonsense” and “hands-on” administrator. Dreyer, a 1973 Marion High School graduate, spent 37 years in the Marion school system as a student, teacher and administrator.

“I still remember in high school, I worked as a school janitor,” Dreyer said. “He literally trained me to push a mop.”

When Farquhar selected him as middle school principal in 1985, Dreyer said he knew the longtime superintendent would back him up. “The good thing was I realized I didn't have to do it by myself,” Dreyer said. “He was quite a mentor. He was a good person to work for.”

Mariann Bielke, who taught for 34 years in Marion, was hired by Farquhar in 1962 as the homemaking teacher. Bielke said Farquhar always supported more activities for the students, such as homecoming dances, and was a passionate supporter of school athletics.

“He didn't miss many of the games,” Bielke said. “He would go in the gym and into the bleachers. That's where you saw Mr. Farquhar.”

Dreyer said Farquhar enjoyed watching basketball, especially the Marion girls. Even after he retired, Dreyer said he continued to go to girls games.

“I saw him get real excited about basketball,” Dreyer said. “He lived and breathed it, especially girls basketball. When he retired, he would not miss any one of those girls' basketball games.”

While attending Texas Christian University, Farquhar made the basketball team. Farquhar also boxed, competing in Golden Gloves and U.S. Navy competitions. He served in the Navy during World War II.

Bielke said Farquhar was every efficient when it came to providing for the needs of the district and its students.

“When I got to Marion in 1962,” Bielke said, “our school district got a lot of stuff from Salvation Army. That's how we were able to furnish our classrooms.

“He would always make share we got our share of funds,” she added. “He got funds for us so we could have a good district.”

Dreyer said Farquhar usually didn't say much, but when he did it was of importance. “When he did speak you knew you need to take note and you better listen,” Dreyer said.